Hazrat Syed Noor Muhammad Badayuni: A Saint of Taqwa And Spiritual Discipline
By Sahil Razvi, New Age Islam
08 January 2025
Hazrat Syed Noor Muhammad Badayuni was a leading Naqshbandi saint known for strict adherence to Sunnah, deep piety, spiritual insight, and moral reform. His life exemplified humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to taqwa.
Main points:
· Prominent Naqshbandi saint and descendant of Prophet Muhammad
· Known for strict Sunnah practice and personal discipline
· Renowned for spiritual insight (kashf) and moral guidance
· Emphasised gentleness, repentance, and lawful livelihood
· Passed away in 1723 AD; shrine located in Delhi
…
“The person who behaves with taqwa is certain to advance in the degrees of sainthood.”
~Hazrat Syed Noor Muhammad Badayuni.
Hazrat Syed Noor Muhammad Badayuni, was one of the prominent pearls of the Naqshbandi order. He was a Syed, that is, a descendant of the Messenger of Prophet Muhammad.
He was born in 1075 Hijri (1664 AD). He received his early education from Hazrat Muhammad Shareef and later became a disciple of Hazrat Khwaja Shaikh Muhammad Saif-ud-deen Sirhindi Naqshbandi. By remaining in his company, he acquired both outward knowledge and spiritual grace (faiz). After the passing away of Hazrat Saif-ud-deen Sirhindi, he continued his spiritual training under Hazrat Hafiz Muhammad Mohsin Dehlawi.
He strictly followed the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in every aspect of life. Throughout his life, never were two dishes placed together on his dining cloth. He never accepted food sent by the wealthy and would say, “It is very rare that the food of the rich is completely free from unlawful or doubtful earnings.”
One day Mirza Mazhar was sitting in his house in the company of friends and it was a joyful gathering. Someone praised the high qualities of Syed Noor Muhammad Badayuni. Mirza Mazhar all of a sudden left the house and went to Syed Noor Muhammad, who without any hesitation accepted him as his disciple and gave him some training.
Hazrat Mirza Mazhar Jan-e-Janaan used to say, “It is unfortunate that you did not see Hazrat Syed. On seeing him, one would be reminded of the power of Allah, and realise that among His creation there are people endowed with such extraordinary spiritual excellence.”
Mirza Mazhar Jan-e-Janaan narrates that one day he found Hazrat in a very cheerful mood. When he asked the reason, Hazrat replied,
“Today I have distributed charity among many needy faqirs. I can see that this act has been granted acceptance, and because of it, Allah Almighty’s grace and blessings are descending like rainfall.”
According to a website called islamandihsan, Syed Noor was a man of great piety. This is why he would take great care in his words and in his actions. His student Jan-e Janan narrates:
“One day, under orders by my teacher, I was grounding some sesame root in order to make medicine. My teacher asked:
“Has it become fine enough?”
“Yes” I replied. My teacher took it in his blessed hand and said: “It is not fine enough” and then he cautioned me as follows:
“One should never speak about a matter without first investigating it otherwise their words will be a lie”
Once, a man living in his neighbourhood began selling intoxicating substances. He remarked, “The darkness of this unlawful trade is obstructing our spiritual journey.” When one of his disciples forcibly drove the man away, he expressed displeasure and said, “Now our spirituality has been obstructed even more, because the correct Islamic method was not followed. He should have been advised gently first.” He then personally searched for the man, called him back, apologised on behalf of his disciples, gave him some money, and gently advised him, “This livelihood is unlawful. You should abandon it and adopt a lawful means of earning.” Deeply moved by this noble conduct, the man immediately repented and reformed his life.
It is recorded on page 435 of Tareekh-e-Mashaikh-e-Naqshband that on one occasion, while entering the toilet, Hazrat Syed Noor Muhammad Badayuni inadvertently stepped in with his right foot first, which is contrary to the Sunnah. Due to this minor lapse, he experienced a sense of restriction in his inner spiritual state. He then remained deeply humble and continuously sought forgiveness from Allah for this mistake.
Once, Emperor Aurangzeb asked Hazrat Syed Noor Muhammad Badayuni about his age. He replied, “My age is four years.” When asked further, he explained that real age is only the period spent in the service and companionship of one’s spiritual guide (murshid); all the remaining years are nothing but thorns.
He was endowed with spiritual insight (kashf) and could perceive the inner condition of those who came to him. Once, a disciple arrived after looking at a non-mahram woman, and he said, “I sense the darkness of adultery within you. It seems you have looked at a non-mahram woman.” Thereafter, through his spiritual grace, he removed that darkness. On another occasion, a disciple came after speaking to a drunkard, and he remarked, “I see the darkness of alcohol upon you.”
On one occasion, two women came with the intention of testing him and said, “We have come to take bay‘ah in your hands.” He replied, “You belong to the Raafdhi sect. First repent and correct your beliefs; only then can you enter this spiritual order.” Upon hearing this, one of the women repented and became his disciple, while the other returned without taking bay‘ah. Conversely, when someone came to his presence after reciting the Kalima or Durood Sharif, he would become pleased and would even inform them of their virtuous act.
Even when his disciples were far away, he remained aware of their mistakes and would warn them accordingly. Once, a disciple went to meet a woman with sinful intentions. Suddenly, the woman saw the saint’s face, became frightened, and withdrew, thus saving the disciple from committing a grave sin.
Among his well-known miracles, a woman once came to him and said, “My daughter has gone missing and cannot be found.” He entered meditation (muraaqaba) and then said, “On such-and-such day, at such-and-such time, your daughter will return.” Exactly at the stated time, the daughter returned safely. Later, she explained, “A jinn had taken me away to a deserted place. I was sitting there alone when an elderly saint came, held my hand, and brought me back.”
When someone asked him, “Why did you make the woman wait before informing her?” he replied, “I prayed to Allah during meditation, asking Him to grant me strength if I lacked the ability to reach that place. Allah bestowed that strength upon me, and I then proceeded and brought the girl back safely.”
He was a disciple as well as a khalifa of Hazrat Khwaja Shaikh Muhammad Saifuddeen Sirhindi Naqshbandi and also received khilafat from Hazrat Hafiz Muhammad Mohsin Dehlawi. Among his prominent successors was Hazrat Shams-ud-deen Mirza Mazhar Jaan-e-Jaanaan Dehlawi.
He passed away on 11 Zil-Qa‘ada 1135 Hijri (13 August 1723 AD). His shrine is located in Delhi.
…
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-personalities/syed-noor-muhammad-badayuni-spritual-saint/d/138355
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism